Student Rights & Responsibilities

Grossmont College is committed to providing a learning and working environment that ensures and promotes respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety. If you feel you have been treated unfairly or your rights have been violated, below are various resources to ensure due process:

Student Discipline Procedures and Student Code of Conduct— These procedures will provide a prompt and equitable means to address violations of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Standards of the Student Conduct, which guarantees to the students(s) involved the due process rights assured them by the state and federal constitutional protections.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs 619-644-7600.

Student Code of Conduct - Student conduct must conform to district and college rules and regulations. If a Student Code of Conduct violation occurs while a student is enrolled, he or she may be issued administrative action.

Academic Integrity - The faculty, administration, and staff of Grossmont College, in creating a culture of academic excellence, value honesty and integrity in all aspects of learning, working, and participating in the college community. Moreover, we believe that those who value learning would never view cheating (copying or otherwise presenting work that is not one’s own) and plagiarism (presenting another writer’s ideas, materials, images, or words as one’s own without proper citation) as viable choices within an academic environment.

It is incumbent on faculty, in particular, to communicate expectations to students with regard to academic honesty in each class, and it is the responsibility of each student to understand the actions and behaviors that constitute cheating or academic dishonesty within each class as well as in other venues on campus.

Students are encouraged to ask questions of their instructors and are expected to read the college’s statement on academic fraud (located in the class schedule). Penalties for actions inconsistent with classroom, library, and college expectations for academic integrity range from a failing grade on an assignment, exam, or project (which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension, or expulsion from a class, program, or the college.

For more information, please consult with your instructor or contact the office of the Dean of Student Affairs.

Final Grades California Education Code section 76224(a) states the following:

When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student’s grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall be final.

Questions regarding a final grade must be brought to the attention of the appropriate divisional dean within one year of the issuance of the grade.

Student Grievance and Due Process Procedure — The Student Grievance and Due Process procedures are designed to provide a prompt and equitable process for addressing student allegations of an unjustified action or decision by a member of the campus community. It is the responsibility of the student to provide proof of the alleged unfair or improper action which affected his or her status, right or privileges.

For additional information including applicable timelines, and/or a copy of the Student Grievance and Due Process Procedure publication, please contact the Dean of Student Affairs office at 619-644-7600.

Process Summary Step 1: The student contacts the individual he/she believes has committed an unfair or improper action in order to convey his/her concern and seek a solution.

Step 2: If the issue is not resolved by an informal discussion, the student contacts the individual’s immediate supervisor, chair, or coordinator for possible resolution of the matter.

Step 3: If the matter is still not resolved the student contacts the appropriate administrative dean’s office for possible resolution of the issue.

Step 4: If the student and dean are unable to resolve the issue, the student can contact the Dean of Student Affairs to discuss student due process rights and the grievance procedures. The student should maintain a record of all correspondence, meetings and discussions in each step of the resolution process. If the issue in question is a grade for a course see Final Grade section.

Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment — The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District is committed to providing an academic and work environment that respects the dignity of individuals and groups. The District shall be free of sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation (BP3430). This policy applies to all aspects of academic environment, including but not limited to, classroom condition, grades academic standing, employment opportunities, scholarships, recommendations, disciplinary actions and participation in any community college activity.

Policy and Procedures on Non-Discrimination— The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is committed to providing learning and working environments that ensure and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. People of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, socioeconomic levels, cultures, and abilities are valued, welcomed, and included in all aspects of our organization.

No person shall be unlawfully subjected to discrimination or denied full and equal access to District programs or activities on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex or gender, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

If you have reason to believe that your rights have been violated due to discrimination, please contact the Office of Student Affairs 619-644-7600.

Sexual Assault

For sexual assault emergencies, contact 911.

If you are a victim of sexual assault (rape, sexual violence or stalking), please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 619-644-7600 or visit Griffin Center (building 60), room 204. Student Affairs will provide students with the resources and support needed during this time. In addition, students will be provided guidance on reporting options. For all emergencies, please contact 911.

Any sexual assault or physical abuse, including, but not limited to, rape, as defined by California law, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District property, in connection with all the academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the District, whether those programs take place in the District’s facilities or at another location, or on an off-campus site or facility maintained by the District, or on grounds or facilities maintained by a student organization, is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal procedures and employee or student discipline procedures (AP3540).

Grossmont College takes pride in providing quality service. Staff and faculty work hard to resolve all complaints informally; if you have shared your complaint through the college process and feel that it was unresolved, you may contact one of the organizations below.

Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) complaint process — Students and members of the public who desire to file a formal complaint to the Commission about one of its member institutions should become familiar with the requirements for doing so prior to contacting the Commission. The Commission's Policy on Student and Public Complaints Against Institutions will assist the user in understanding the issues this Commission can and cannot address through its complaint process. The policy explains the procedures for filing a complaint.